cleaning paintbrushed efficiently

[banjowizard]

Can somebody please tell me how to clean paintbrushes efficiently.

Using water based paint is no problem as you can run them under the tap but solvent based paints seem to use litres and litres of white spirit or turps to get them properly clean.

I am obviously no good at it as i now have a shed full of useless rock hard brushes....

please can someone give me a solution that doesnt use gallons of solvents in the process......thankyou.. 

[KARL]

This is a very familiar problem and my solution is, once the job in question is done and as much has come off the brush as will in a can of white spirit, to let it dry and apply a paint stripper to the outside of it (rather like smearing a generous layer of jam on bread) and immediately wrapping/sealing it in aluminium foil. After a few hours the paint will have softened enough to scrape/rub much/most of it off. This time, paint stripper is worked into the brush (among the bristles) and the foil seal re-applied for a couple of hours. Repeat as necessary and eventually it can be washed completely clean in just enough white spirit to soak it completely - wipe clean on a rag. Brushes can successfully be used over and over again. Wickes' own paint stripper is probably the cheapest available (in smallish tins too). Good luck

[ken c]

karls answer is good for hard brushes

next time wash your brush in white spirit to get most of the paint off then wash in warm soapy water a couple of times rinse then I wrap the bristles in cling film this helps it keep its shape

[malajusted1]

both answers given are correct - but before you wrap your brushes up in clingfilm rub some hair conditioner into the bristles (don't wash it out until you use the brushes again) - this way the bristles don't dry out.

[Chillum]

just buy the cheap sh!t brushes from B&Q and discard immediately, rather than waiting three years. Your only using up containers which could just as easily be holding screws and fittings that you may, one day, need .

[BillyBB]

Save your used white spirits as the paint will settle to the bottom over time (how often do you decorate anyway?) you can reuse the old first, then use new, then wash in water.

[Oneeyedvic]

You can buy a device that you attach to a drill and put your paint brush into it - it does work very well.

However, I must confess despite having one, I still tend to throw brushes away!

[nuoyg]

There is a website called Granny Knows Best and Granny mentions using vinegar.  I don't know if it's true but you could take a look.

I also read in one of those home magazines that after washing your paintbrushes it's always a good idea to tie newspaper around them.

Have never tried myself but could be worth a try.